Fayette County Council Approves $111,000 for Three Volunteer Fire Departments

CONNERSVILLE, IN – The Fayette County Council voted 6-1 on Tuesday night to approve a total of $111,000 in funding for three of the county’s long-serving volunteer fire departments. The decision followed a significant debate and will see the funds diverted from the budget previously allocated for a future county morgue.

The approved funding allocates $37,000 each to the Everton, Bentonville, and Glenwood volunteer fire departments. For supporters of the measure, the decision represents a crucial investment in community institutions that have served Fayette County for generations.

Each department boasts a rich history of service. The Everton Volunteer Fire Department was formed by the Everton Lions Club in 1957, with Jim Lake serving as its first fire chief. The Bentonville Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1969, and the Glenwood department’s deep legacy started 1937.

The motion to transfer the funds was made by Councilman Tim Patterson, who questioned the projected cost of the new morgue—a project made necessary by the fact the future Reid Health facility will not have a usable morgue for the county. “The commissioners are only guessing it will cost $400,000, it could come in at $275,000,” Patterson said. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Kay Riker Peyton.

Councilman Bob Stewart cast the lone dissenting vote. He expressed concern that the significant expenditure could negatively impact the county’s long-term financial stability and its ability to fund other future needs.